My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and

is

and a paper plate, preparing

out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all

be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish

the ‘Happy

Rachel must close her

blow

shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to

still lit the candles and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice

look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking up at her with pretty, sparkling

under the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give

to say thank you!” their

Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was heartwarming

of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank

to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about anything else. As for the

know. Don’t worry about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s

up the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to

and headed toward

was inside her apartment and about to close

the door was propped open by a large hand from

Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all

he out on business?

slid sideways into the house and shut the door before surveying the

“I see you’ve been

took two steps

pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the couch.

suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your

approached her, forcing her back inch by

idea what

he caught hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and